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Published: December 26, 2024
MBA Admissions Tip: Essay Word Limits and Character Counts
MBA candidates naturally have a good deal of information they want – and need – to convey in their materials, and getting the important ideas down under restrictive essay word counts is a difficult task. While it might be tempting to run a bit beyond the guidelines to slip in that one extra thought, it’s important to keep the reasons for these limits in mind. In addition to being a forum for explaining your goals and sharing your story, the essays and short answers also serve as a test of the applicant’s ability to communicate clearly and Read more
Published: December 25, 2024
Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2024 Employment Report: Adaptability & Strength
The Duke University Fuqua School of Business employment report for the Daytime MBA graduating class of 2024 is live. The data shows that even in the most challenging economic environment, 85 percent of the Duke Fuqua Daytime MBA class had received an offer of full-time employment by three months post-graduation. With 82 percent accepting offers by the three-month mark, 113 unique employers such as Accenture, Adobe, Bain & Company, BCG, and Dell hired at least one Fuqua graduate. The median base salary maintained last year’s record high of $175,000, Read more
Published: December 25, 2024
Real Humans for the Holidays: Wrapped Gifts Edition
We continue with some festive fun inspired by Real Humans: MBA Students with our short series, Real Humans for the Holidays! Read what students from top MBA programs like to do during the December holidays and their advice for our readers. In the following pages, see what MBA students from Emory Goizueta and Georgetown McDonough chose in a “This or That” game. Zion Richardson, Emory Goizueta MBA Class of 2026 What do you like most about the December holidays? My favorite thing about the holidays is the ability to recenter and connect with family. It’s important Read more
Published: December 24, 2024
MBA Admissions Tip: Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Submitting an Optional Essay
We realize that the questions of whether or not to answer an optional essay—and, if so, what to say—are ones that loom large for many MBA applicants. In addition to our school-specific Essay Topic Analysis, we wanted to suggest a few questions that applicants might want to consider when making this call. Is my MBA optional essay relevant? Perhaps this goes without saying, but the only information worth sharing in an optional essay is that which will make a material difference in your candidacy. Whether you wish to comment on an exciting leadership role you’ve just Read more
Published: December 23, 2024
CBS MBA Class of 2024 Employment Report: Driving Innovation
Columbia Business School (CBS) has released its MBA Class of 2024 employment report. The CBS graduating MBAs demonstrate the skillset and commitment earned through the rigorous curriculum and access to business leaders the school grants.  “CBS students are independent thinkers who bring immediate value to their employers. Graduates emerge with a deep understanding of the critical issues facing businesses today. Our forward-thinking curriculum and experiential learning opportunities bridge theory and practice, empowering students to apply their knowledge across various sectors including finance, marketing, data analytics, and product development. World class faculty lead Read more
Published: December 23, 2024
Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2024 Employment Report
The Georgetown University McDonough School of Business has released its MBA Class of 2024 employment report, showing their graduates’ continued success. This year, just shy of 89 percent of McDonough MBAs received an offer within three months of graduation, and just over 84 percent accepted an offer. The average base salary reported for the class was $146,033, and the average signing bonus was an impressive $33,854. More than half of full-time acceptances — 52 percent — were converted from internships.  Top Industries and Median Salaries Of the 249 Read more
Published: December 23, 2024
Real Humans for the Holidays: Winter Snow Edition
‘Tis the holiday season and we’re bringing you a festive short series inspired by Real Humans: MBA Students, called Real Humans for the Holidays! Read what students of top MBA programs like to do during the December holidays and their advice for our readers. Click through the following pages to see what three MBA students from Berkeley Haas, UCI Merage and The Ohio State Fisher chose in a “This or That” game, too. Volodymyr (Vlad) Silchenko, Berkeley Haas MBA Class of 2026 What do you like most about the December holidays? What I like most about the Read more
Published: December 22, 2024
Northwestern Kellogg MBA Class of 2024 Employment Report: Breaking Boundaries
Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management has released its MBA Class of 2024 employment report, showcasing a cohort determined to find success in even the most challenging global economic landscape. This year, 90 percent of the graduating MBA class received a job offer within three months of graduation, with 87 percent accepting in that timeframe. Twelve graduates — a record number — chose the path of entrepreneurship and launched new businesses.  The median base salary for the class reached $170,000, approximately doubling graduates’ pre-MBA Read more
Published: December 22, 2024
Wharton Employment Report: MBA Class of 2024 Maintains Record Median Salary
The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School has released its MBA employment report for the Class of 2024, and graduates maintained the school’s record median salary of $175,000 for another year running. Of the 916 graduating Wharton MBA students, 69 percent (634 students) sought employment. Just over 93 percent of MBA graduates seeking employment received a job offer within three months of graduation, while 88.2 percent had accepted job offers.  Out of the 201 graduates not seeking employment, 117 returned to their pre-MBA companies. Roughly Read more
Published: December 22, 2024
UPenn Wharton MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Second-Year Students / Zoom
Group-based interview format. Felt very comfortable, although a bit rushed to finalize our thoughts and ideas for the group presentation. Everyone was very nice and open to each other’s ideas. I had a brief 1×1 interview with a 2Y student after the group interview. We all waited in the group zoom until our 1×1 time. My 1×1 was very relaxed and went notably over the planned 10-minute allotment. He asked about leadership experiences and how I thought the group interview went. Read more
Published: December 22, 2024
MBA Wire Taps 402—Nurse to MBA. Indian entrepreneur. Ross vs Yale.
Weekly Roundup for Clear Admit’s MBA Podcast In this week’s MBA Admissions podcast we began by wishing everyone a happy holiday season! Graham highlighted three admissions tips that have been published on the Clear Admit site this week. These include tips about how to highlight the reasons for a target program, without comparing them to other programs, how to explain any employment gaps, and whether to consider test waivers. Graham then discussed a recently published Adcom Q&A which features the Assistant Dean from Yale SOM. We then discussed a Real Humans story, focused on MBA Read more
Published: December 19, 2024
Masters in Management vs. MBA: Which is Right for You?
The Masters in Management is growing in popularity for graduate business education. Between 2021 and 2022, the GMAC reported a 3.2% increase in applications to Masters in Management programs, versus a 6.5% decrease in applications to the MBA.  If you’re weighing a Masters in Management versus an MBA, how do you know which program is right for you?  In this article, we will define the two programs, outline the different aspects of the Masters in Management compared to the MBA, and explore the factors you should consider Read more
Published: December 19, 2024
MS-ESM Georgetown McDonough Alumni Share ROI
Sponsored Content In a world where sustainability is increasingly integral to business strategy, Georgetown University’s Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Management (MS-ESM) program offers a launchpad for professionals eager to make an impact. Combining the analytical rigor of business with environmental science, the 10-month interdisciplinary program empowers graduates to excel at the intersection of corporate responsibility and sustainability. But what is the return on investment (ROI) for this unique degree? The experiences of four recent graduates—Brianna Jefferson, Harsh H. Patel, Caitlin Boyle, and Ryan Cafritz—illustrate how the MS-ESM program transforms career trajectories. Whether transitioning from Read more
Published: December 19, 2024
Clear Admit Event: Deferred Enrollment MBA Application Overview, February 2025
Do you have your sights set on deferred enrollment MBA programs? Join us to hear how to amp up your application for these special pathways to b-school. Full-time MBA programs traditionally require several years of full-time work experience, but deferred enrollment MBA programs allow candidates to apply – and secure a seat in a future class – during their senior years of college or final years of masters study. How can you demonstrate your fit for this kind of program? How should you approach the admissions process? Hear directly from leading programs in this two-part Deferred Enrollment MBA Read more
Published: December 19, 2024
Clear Admit Event Series: Masters in Management Application Overview, February 2025
Join us for this upcoming Masters in Management Event! Is a master’s in management (MiM) the right fit for you? Full-time MBA programs traditionally require several years of full-time work experience, but specialized master’s programs allow candidates to apply during their senior year of college for a program that would begin the Fall term after they graduate or after a limited amount of experience. Register now to secure your spot and gain access to a video recording of our December series, “Insights into Master in Management Programs 2024” . Read more
Published: December 19, 2024
GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation Analysis for MBA Applicants and Recommenders
Applying to business school entails a great deal of work for prospective students – and almost as much effort for the people writing their letters of recommendation. An effective MBA recommendation provides rich information about the candidate’s strengths, key accomplishments, and leadership abilities. It’s also important that a recommendation fully address every question that is asked by the admissions committee. So, when an applicant is targeting six schools that ask different questions across their recommendation forms, this can translate to a great deal of time and effort for already-busy recommenders. To alleviate some of this pressure, Read more
Published: December 18, 2024
Real Humans of University of Toronto Rotman’s MBA Class of 2026
We head to the University of Toronto to meet some new MBA students in the Rotman School of Management Class of 2026 in this Real Humans: MBA Students. The new Toronto Rotman MBA class numbers 271 students. Forty-two percent are women and 58 percent hail from outside of Canada. During their undergraduate years, 35 percent had majored in business/commerce. Another 16 percent earned degrees in engineering while 14 percent studied economics. Nine percent had majored in applied sciences and seven percent in life sciences. Toronto Rotman MBAs matriculated with an average of five years Read more
Published: December 18, 2024
Real Humans of the Duke Fuqua MMS Class of 2025
The Duke Fuqua MMS Class of 2025 is a testament to the program’s commitment to cultivating leaders who value collaboration, embrace diversity, and pursue excellence. This year’s cohort features a vibrant mix of professionals from varied academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds, united by their drive to grow, lead, and innovate. Take Obianuju (Uju) Madu, a marketing graduate from the University of Notre Dame and former analyst at BlackRock. Uju chose Fuqua to bridge the knowledge gaps she identified in her early career, drawn by the program’s innovative team-based learning model. Her corporate experience, coupled Read more
Published: December 17, 2024
MBA Admissions Tip: Avoid the Comparison Trap
In this MBA Admissions Tip, learn how to avoid the comparison trap in your application essays. In their desire to make their case to their target MBA programs, many applicants devote sentences and even paragraphs to explaining why the school in question is their “first choice” and arguing its superiority over other schools. Though certainly understandable, this is actually not a very productive exercise. Let’s consider a few reasons why from the schools’ point of view: Tell me something I don’t know. A popular strategy – and not always bad one – for applicants seeking to demonstrate their fit with Read more
Published: December 17, 2024
MBA Admissions Tip: Addressing Unemployment or Gaps in Employment
Given the emphasis that schools place on a candidate’s work experience, it is important to be proactive in addressing unemployment or gaps in employment. When applying to business school, many candidates worry about how the adcom might perceive gaps in employment. Read our ‘MBA Admissions Tip: Addressing Unemployment Gaps in Employment’ to learn strategies for effectively managing unemployment and employment gaps during your MBA application process. Gaps in Employment It’s not unheard of for an MBA candidate to have a gap in employment, and this will not necessarily make a negative impact on someone’s candidacy. Gaps might be due to Read more
Published: December 17, 2024
How Does Trump’s Re-election Affect Prospective MBA Applicants?
In November this year, Trump was re-elected for a second presidential term. With higher education, immigration, and the economy all much-debated topics in the run-up to the election, we were curious about what Trump’s success meant for MBA programs, students, and applicants.  To find out more, we turned to our Clear Admit community of prospective MBA applicants. We wanted to gauge the general sentiment in the applicant pool with regards to the re-election; to take a quick temperature check on the thoughts and opinions held. As well as getting a sense of the re-election’s impact, Read more
Published: December 16, 2024
Admissions Director Q&A: Bruce DelMonico of the Yale School of Management
Bruce DelMonico, Assistant Dean for Admissions at the Yale School of Management In this MBA Admissions Director Q&A, we welcome back Bruce DelMonico, Assistant Dean for Admissions at the Yale School of Management for insights into MBA admissions, the program and more. Bruce joined Yale SOM in October 2004 and has led the Admissions Office since November 2006. Before joining Yale, Bruce was an attorney focused on First Amendment, white collar, and commercial litigation. Bruce holds a BA in Honors English from Brown University, an MA in Literature from the University of Read more
Published: December 16, 2024
Real Humans of the INSEAD MBA Class of 2025
From campuses in Fontainebleau and Singapore, we meet some new members of the INSEAD 25J class in this edition of our ongoing Real Humans: MBA Students series. 486 students matriculated to be part of the INSEAD MBA Class of 2025J. Forty-two percent of the class are women and, all together, the class represents 73 different nationalities. During their undergraduate years, 31 percent had majored in business administration while 24 percent had studied engineering. Fifteen percent earned degrees in economics. Eight percent pursued law/political science majors and another seven percent earned degrees in humanities and Read more
Published: December 15, 2024
ASU Carey MBA Interview Questions & Report: Round 1 / Adcom / Zoom
The atmosphere was relaxed and calm, there were two interviewers. Tell me about yourself and why you think an MBA is the best fit for you. Why MBA at WP Carey? Imagine you’re the CEO of a company, in the first year, what will be your top three focus areas? (I don’t remember the exact way it was framed but this is what they were asking basically) Tell me about a time when you had to take the lead in a team, and also when you had to step back and let someone else lead. Tell me about a time Read more
Published: December 15, 2024
The Week Ahead: Round 1 Decisions, December 16-20, 2024
Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead, in which we provide a brief rundown of what is happening in MBA admissions this week! First Round is Finishing! Final decisions for Round 1 candidates continue to be released. Tuesday, December 17, Texas / McCombs is scheduled to release their Round 1 decisions. Friday, December 20, Columbia Business School, Washington / Foster and Indiana / Kelley are scheduled to have release their Round 1 decisions. How “The Wires” Can Help Visit MBA LiveWire for the latest “buzz” about MBA admissions, including interview invitations and decision notifications. There are 5 Ways MBA Read more

MBA Applywire

6
December 25, 2024 2:16pm ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Emory / Goizueta, Georgetown / McDonough, Indiana / Kelley, Michigan / Ross, UNC Kenan-Flagler
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Strategy consulting
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Commercial Banking Companies: Bain , BCG , Deloitte , Ernst & Young , KPMG , McKinsey , PWC , Bank of America , Capital One , Citibank , PNC Bank , Wells Fargo
GRE: 323
GPA: 3.48
Years of Work Experience: 6
12
December 25, 2024 10:52am ET
Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Carnegie Mellon / Tepper, Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, Duke / Fuqua, Indian School of Business, Indiana / Kelley, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, UCLA Anderson, UT Austin / McCombs, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Supply Chain Management
Post-MBA Target Industry: Other
GMAT: 655
GPA: 3.3
Years of Work Experience: 4.5
Location: India
Post MBA Location: USA
Notes:

Extensive Supply chain experience across Telecom and Aviation industries. Currently working with United Airlines in Supply Chain. Lots of international exposure and experience.
2
December 25, 2024 7:51am ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Indian Chartered Accountant, Completed Undergrad and Grad in commernce (A and A+ grade)Fund Controlling - PE(Goldman Sachs) and IIF(JP Morgan)
Post-MBA Target Industry: Asset Management, inc. HF Companies: Blackrock , Goldman Sachs , JP Morgan Asset Management
GRE: 320
GPA: A+
Years of Work Experience: 5.5
Location: India
Post MBA Location: US, UK
Notes:

I got waiver from Darden and applying to fuqua with GRE score. Planning to apply to only two schools in current round 2.
Post MBA goal is to transition career from accounting based role to front end asset management roles.
5
December 23, 2024 7:48am ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Emory / Goizueta, Georgia Tech / Scheller, UNC Kenan-Flagler, Vanderbilt / Owen
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Sports
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Family Business, Other Companies: Accenture , Deloitte
GMAT: 655
GPA: 3.89
Years of Work Experience: 3
Location: South
Notes:

NCAA DI Athlete
Selected for the industry's inaugural women's leadership academy
Variety of volunteer work in and out of my work industry
6
December 23, 2024 12:19am ET
Applying: Cornell / Johnson, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, UCLA Anderson, UT Austin / McCombs, UVA / Darden
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Construction & RE (2nd Gen Entrepreneur)
Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Asset Management, inc. HF, Family Business Companies: Citibank , Credit Suisse , Morgan Stanley
GRE: 326
GPA: 3.80
Years of Work Experience: 5
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MBA LiveWire

December 29, 2024 10:20am ET
Accepted to UT Austin / McCombs
Round: Round 1
Received via phone on December 16, 2024
GRE: 322
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: India
December 28, 2024 4:04pm ET
Interview Invite to Dartmouth / Tuck
Round: Round 2
Received via email on December 22, 2024
GPA: 3.357
GRE: 333
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Healthcare
Application Location: California, USA
Note:

Date of app submission: 12/22/2024
December 27, 2024 3:04pm ET
Accepted to Duke / Fuqua
Round: Round 1
Received via phone on December 11, 2024
GPA: 3.0
GMAT: 710
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Operations Management
Application Location: New Jersey
December 27, 2024 2:07am ET
Applied to MIT Sloan
Round: Round 1
Received via email
GRE: 340
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
December 27, 2024 12:36am ET
Accepted to Northwestern / Kellogg
Round: Round 1
Received via email on December 10, 2024
GPA: 8.8/10
GRE: 337
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: India
Note:

Received 60% scholarship.
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